“Little Eddie’s third day was supposed to be his first at home, not his second day on oxygen and first at Maria Fareri’s Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always go as planned.”

"People always assume I wanted to have a son. Honestly, I didn’t have a preference. I was excited to have a second child, boy or girl. I just wanted them to be healthy.

Little Eddie’s third day was supposed to be his first at home, not his second day on oxygen and first at Maria Fareri’s Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always go as planned.

Instead of enjoying his first night at home, my wife and I were sitting in a conference room at West Chester Medical discussing a surgical plan with the cardiology team. Fast forward two days, after pacing the floors of the waiting room for four and a half hours his cardiologist tells us we won the lottery. His cardiac cath proved their initial diagnosis wrong.

Twelve hours after we found out he didn’t need heart surgery, we learned he has a problem with his liver. Welcome to the roller coaster that is the NICU.

It’s easy to let hope turn to unrealistic optimism. Fear can just as quickly cripple you with anxiety.

Eddie is two weeks old today. We still don’t have an answer, but we know he is in good hands. Life events like this always test your strength and teach you something. Our journey isn’t over, but I already have a different outlook on life.

My son has a great medical team and a family that loves him. I won’t help anyone by riding the highs and lows of this journey. All I can do is live life one day at a time and love every second I have with my son and my family.

Crisis puts things into perspective quickly. I know I will come out of this a better person. If I can stay strong through this and make the most of every day, I can handle anything life has in store for me.

On a less serious note, I am not shaving my beard until my son is home with his family. I may be taking things in stride, but that doesn’t mean I can’t grow a playoff beard and wear red everyday to route for the NICU red team.”

—Coach Ed M. of Central Valley, NY

The First Step Is The Hardest…

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In the first 30 days we can help you…

Make Time For Fitness

Set a Baseline

Exercise Safely

Learn Lean Eating Habits

Real People. Real Stories.

“After a year of coming to RD, I know that I have more control over my health than I ever have, and I feel better…” — Samantha of Monroe, NY

"I just look at my wife and my two daughters, who are what I live for. And that's what working out means to me. Stay here for a while, enjoy life, enjoy your family, and move forward." — Wilson of Monroe, NY

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These three states put people in jeopardy. With obesity and orthopedic issues at an all-time high, people feeling awkward, intimidated and disconnected are the reasons they don’t start a fitness program.